Showstopping Hostas

Forget the wallflower varieties - these 10 stars take center stage

by John O'Brien

'Blue Mouse Ears' hosta Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson

With thousands of different hosta varieties on the market and new ones popping up each year, the dazzlers sometimes get lost among the duds. But every now and then, I come across a hosta so spectacular that it literary stops me in my tracks.

If you’ve yet to jump on the crazy-over-hostas bandwagon, these 10 eye-catching cultivars might just change your mind. Each is a standout in its own right. And they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Despite their differences, however, they all have one thing in common: Not one of these hostas will fade into the shadows.

'Blue Mouse Ears'

Size: 8 inches tall and 18 inches wide
Shade tolerance: Partial shade

Petite, rubbery leaves in a soft shade of blue make the award-winning ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ easy to love. Low growing and perfectly symmetrical, this adorable miniature hosta blooms profusely in midsummer, sending up stems that peak at just 1 foot tall.

'Climax'

Size: 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide
Shade tolerance: Partial shade

‘Climax’ requires some patience, but it is well worth the wait. On average, this cultivar takes four years to become an attention grabber. As variegated hostas mature, the showy rim on their leaves widens; the gold edge of a young ‘Climax’ is only ¼ inch thick, but after a few years, this edge expands to 1 inch.

'Climax' hosta Photo/Illustration: Walter's Gardens

White Christmas

Size: 15 inches tall and 35 inches wide
Shade tolerance: Bright partial shade

I once made the mistake of planting a ‘White Christmas’ hosta in full shade, and it shriveled up soon after. Because only the green portions of a leaf can photosynthesize, white-foliage hostas require more sunlight than greener varieties. ‘White Christmas’ prefers a six-hour-long daily dose of morning rays and will slowly get greener as summer progresses.

'White Christmas' hosta Photo/Illustration: Kathie Sisson

'Striptease' hosta Photo/Illustration: Kathie Sisson

'Striptease'

Size: 20 inches tall and 45 inches wide
Shade tolerance: Bright partial shade

A unique leaf pattern sets this hosta apart. Named for the peeking white strip on its leaves, ‘Striptease’ is a fast grower with a sturdy shape and lavender flowers. This hosta tolerates heat better than most, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zone 9.

Expert growing guide for healthy hostas

Hostas, which mostly thrive in Zones 3 to 9, are about as easygoing as they come, but that doesn't mean that they are entirely without standards. If you want lust happy plants follow these guidelines:

Give them morning light
It’s a myth that hostas are shade loving; they are merely shade tolerant. Most hostas prefer three to four hours of morning rays, while some need up to six. Avoid, however, harsh afternoon sun, which will cause leaves to fade in color and brown around the edges.
Dig a million-dollar hole
I usually dig a hole twice as wide as the container and then mix compost into the excavated soil before spreading it around the plant.
Work miracles with compost
A bed with good water retention is key. Hostas thrive in highly organic, moist, well-drained soil. Clay soil enhanced with compost works amazingly well due to its water-holding capacity. Sandy soil needs the most help because it leaches moisture quickly. To remedy that situation, simply add more organic matter; I swear by well-decomposed horse manure, but humus or household compost works, too. A thin 1- to 2-inch-deep layer of mulch will also help keep roots moist.
Hydrate
You can’t water hostas too often, assuming there’s proper drainage. Regularly give them a good morning soaking, striving for at least 1 inch of water per week.
Let them grow
Late summer is the best time to divide hostas. You can split miniature to medium-size hostas every four to five years. But I avoid dividing my large and giant hostas because they take up to six years to regain their domineering size. The only time hostas need dividing is when they begin showing signs of decline due to root competition.